In 2024, New Yorkers are statistically more likely to fall victim to traffic crashes than gun violence, with 253 fatalities from car accidents compared to 203 gun-related deaths, according to recent analyses by Transportation Alternatives. This marks the second consecutive year where auto deaths outpace gun deaths, prompting calls for increased urgency in addressing traffic safety initiatives initiated under the Vision Zero campaign launched in 2014.
Street safety advocates emphasize the need for the city government to prioritize pedestrian safety with the same intensity applied to gun violence. With nearly half of the traffic fatalities involving pedestrians, advocates are urging for expanded safety measures like persistent speed and red-light camera enforcement to prevent further tragedies. As New York City seeks innovative solutions to reduce these preventable deaths, the latest statistics reveal a critical public health challenge that requires immediate attention.
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